Water levels have recovered somewhat from the half-gate, almost-drought conditions of last week. With one gate open, conditions are perfect for fly angling, and a few early grilse have provided anglers with sport this week, as well as a few springers. Colman Counihan landed a 9.5lbs fish on fly, while Salthill man Dave Lenihan had a 7.5lbs salmon on shrimp. Gerry Kelly landed fish of 10.5 and 4.5lbs on shrimp, while Deam Armstrong took a 4.5lbs grilse on fly. D. Mulligan landed grilse of 5 and 5.5lbs on shrimp, J. O’Brien had a 5lbs grilse on fly, and Dave Lenihan had another 4.5lbs grilse, this time on fly. Gordon Sweetman landed a lovely 11lbs springer on shrimp, while annual French visitor Remy Gateau landed a fine 7lbs springer on shrimp. Remy’s friend Pascal Schmitt also had a small grilse on shrimp, while regular angler Michael Leonard had a lovely 10lbs fish on the fly.
With grilse starting to come in, even on the small tides this week, and a few spring fish also providing sport, prospects in Galway look good for the coming weeks.